By Deanna Allen
Staff Writer

Are you considering walking for a cause or for an event and have never done that type of thing before?

Althea Lawton-Thompson, fitness professional and star of the “Altheatized” exercise video series who owns Aerobics, Yoga & More in Lilburn, has some advice on getting started.

“For someone who is currently sedentary or not that active, I would suggest walking at a local park, around a school track or around a neighborhood,” Lawton-Thompson said. She suggested a route that’s not too hilly and taking 15 minute walks two times a week to start.

“I wouldn’t try anything too rigorous to start out,” she said. “To get ready for a 5K, which is 3.1 miles, I would suggest slowly increasing the time by five to 10 minutes every week to two weeks.”

Lawton-Thompson said walkers need three to six months to prepare for their first distance walk.

When the day of the walk finally comes, Lawton-Thompson stressed staying hydrated before, during and after, wearing comfortable walking shoes that are broken in and stretching after a five to 10 minute warmup before beginning the walk. She also emphasized the difference between walking and running shoes - walkers need the former.

“Running shoes are higher in the heel, because they’re made for a very heavy heel strike,” Lawton-Thompson said. “Walking shoes have equally balanced soles from the ball of the foot to the heel.”

For more information on Lawton-Thompson, visit aymfitness.com or call 678-749-7777.

Source: Gwinnet Daily Post